Kenneth “Kenny” Merry, age 84, of Circle, went peacefully to the Lord in the late evening on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at McCone County Health Center, his life of love and generosity drawn to a close.
Funeral services will be held at the Stevenson and Sons Chapel in Circle. Visitations will be held at the Stevenson and Sons Chapel in Circle from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. and interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Circle.
Kenny was born on March 13, 1940, in Wheeler, MT, the son of Hershel and Irene Merry. After the construction of The Fort Peck Dam was completed, his family moved to the Circle area. Kenny attended 1st through 12th grade at the schools in Circle.
Kenny was a very active youth. He enjoyed riding horses with his cousins and was an avid trapper regularly walking a 10-mile trap line at middle school age. In later grades, he played basketball, football, participated in track, the school play and student council as a class representative and enjoyed tinkering on cars. After high school, he tried his hand at driving stock cars. Also, a small scooter he had as a kid, led to a love of motorcycles including his 1957 Harley Davidson he bought in 1959 which took him and Boots on many trips to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.
Kenny worked at the Exxon station after he graduated, then joined the United States Army on Oct. 4, 1962. He served in Korea and was honorably discharged in July 1964 then served in the Army Reserves until 1968. Kenny came home from Korea and went back to work at the Exxon station in Circle as a mechanic for over 25 years.
Kenny met the loves of his life, Boots and her children, in 1968. Kenny and Boots married on June 6th, 1970, in Sidney, MT. They welcomed their son, Shayne, in July of 1971. Kenny and Boots were happily married for 30 years.
In later years Kenny worked at the high school and county courthouse in Circle maintaining the boilers and performing general maintenance.
Throughout his life Kenny had a great love for his children and traveling with Boots and the kids. Gardening, target pistol shooting, hunting and fishing also filled a lot of his time. He loved pets and really any animal that he crossed paths with. He enjoyed visiting, telling a good joke or story and playing Pinochle with friends and family.
He is survived by his brother Arlin Merry, his children: son Shayne (Maggie) Merry of Billings; Charla Border of Michigan; Tom Border of Circle; Nanette (Brian) Slater of Miles City; Frank (Lori) Border of Billings; Mavis (Derek) Jack of California; James (Dorothy) Bussey of Washington; Lucinda Bussey of Lewistown; 7 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Kenny was preceded in death by his wife, Boots, his parents Hershel and Irene Merry, his sister Barbara Arthur, his brother Robert Merry, one grandchild, aunt, uncles and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to Grasslands Federal Credit Union in Circle to help with funeral costs.
Kenny, a man who often gave more than he could spare to someone who was in need, will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Thursday May 30, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
702 Lehman Ave.
Circle, Montana 59215
Funeral Service
11:30 a.m.
Thursday May 30, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
702 Lehman Ave.
Circle, Montana 59215
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Thursday May 30, 2024
Riverview Cemetery
Circle, Montana 59215
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Thursday May 30, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
702 Lehman Ave.
Circle, Montana 59215
Funeral Service
11:30 a.m.
Thursday May 30, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
702 Lehman Ave.
Circle, Montana 59215
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Thursday May 30, 2024
Riverview Cemetery
Circle, Montana 59215
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Robert Beason says
Good by Kenny
Many good times in circle town
Mary Kasten Grube says
To the family of Kenny Merry: I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you during this time.
Peggy Sorensen says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Denise (Strand) Stambaugh says
Condolences to Kenny’s family. He was such a sweet man. Sending prayers, love and hugs to all. 🙏💞
Della Van Horn says
I worked with Kenny when he was a custodian at the school. Always friendly and a hard worker. Rest in peace Kenny.
Jackie Boysun says
So many memories of Kenny and the whole family being a neighbor. My condolences and may you all find peace in your memories of your Dad. I am sure Boots was waiting. Much love.
Kathy Aakre Ruddy says
Sending thoughts and prayers to the family and extended family of Kenny’s. Rest in Peace Kenny.
Tammy Naasz Enghusen says
Sending my thoughts and prayers to all the kids’ families of Kenny. I remember when Todd and I were little and we’d spend time over at Boots and Kenny’s home. Fun hanging out with Mavis, Frank, and all… great memories! May he rest in peace.
Larry and Sheri Schmidt says
Kenny was just a mainstay in Circle. I will miss visiting with him. Sending prayers for the family to find peace and comfort.
Ellen Hart says
To all of Kenny’s family I am so sorry for your loss. I have such good memories of great times spent together.
Patty cooper says
Kenny was a good friend especially to my Husband Melvin cooper He sure will be miss Praying for the family
Kevin and Cheryl Hance says
Our deepest condolences to all of Kenny’s family. We always enjoyed visiting with Kenny when we were in Circle. Prayers of peace and comfort 🙏
Judy Hawkinson says
My sympathy to all of Kenny’s family. Kenny worked at the HS when I did and was always very helpful and reliable. RIP Kenny, you will be missed.
Louise Twitchell says
Sorry to hear about Kenny’s passing. I’m sure he’s having a great time with all his old friends and neighbors. Riding his motorcycle with Boots
Jim Cowell says
I left Montana in 1961 but managed to occasionally run into Kenny when returning to Circle for visits. I always enjoyed that. Kenny and I shared a room at the high school dorm and had a lot of fun. He was a great guy and we had a good friendship. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing.
Richard Pittsley says
On behalf of all the Pittsley and Mattern families we pray Our Infinite Mystery Blessings for you all. His Love and compassion are beyond human understanding.
Josh Morgan says
I pray to God for strength and peace for everyone in the Merry clan, while dealing with the loss of a father and friend.
Greg Berger says
Ol Kenny, what can I say….the man, the myth, the legend. He was one of a kind, had the coolest beard back in the day, and probably knew more about life in general than most people will never have the chance to experience. I always enjoyed visiting with him and Boots when I’d come home on leave…Boots was like a 2nd mother and Kenny was like a 2nd father…always had time to have a couple of cold ones and catch up. I know those two are back together now and he’s in a much better place. My sincerest condolences to all of Kenny’s family…he will be greatly missed.
Larry Bruce says
Simply put just a great guy to visit and be around. Bumping into Kenny and chatting always meant your day just got better. My prayers and condolences to all the family.
Vickie Roller says
I only met Kenny once but worked with his son, Shayne for 10.5 years at the Billings Clinic. Through the stories of Kenny, I feel as though I know him. Thanks, Shayne, for the stories. I’m sorry to Shayne, Maggie and the rest of the family for your loss.
Dawn Dannen says
My condolences and deepest sympathy to the family. He was a wonderful man and he will be truly missed.
Alan Stempel says
Kenny was a great guy who could always make you smile. Always happy to help. Proud of his family, his military service and donating blood to the Red Cross. He is missed. Sorry for your loss
Ron & Kathy McFarland says
Always appreciated Kenny when I worked at the library. He was always there for us when we needed him and so knowledgeable about people and history. So sorry for your loss.